I am an admirer of Mamet's writing more than his filmmaking. This film was entertaining mainly because of good acting, a fine original play by Rattigan, and a fine adaptation of the original by Mamet.
I saw reviews that were not appreciative of Rebecca Pidgeon in this film--but I found her fascinating with her controlled acting. I wish she works with other acclaimed directors. Miou-Miou became famous as an actress who could talk with a mouthful of food in French movies; here a "hungry" Rebecca nibbles at her sandwich to deliver her lines properly. She has talent but she needs to go beyond the English stage rules.
Hawthorne and Northam give fine performances.
On the DVD: The director-and-wife voice over gave very little information on what the director did but gave more information on how his wife loved the costumes and how great the wife's brother was...An excellent example of how not do the director's commentary. In contrast see the DVD of John Sayle's "Limbo," which is so much more informative and entertaining.
I saw reviews that were not appreciative of Rebecca Pidgeon in this film--but I found her fascinating with her controlled acting. I wish she works with other acclaimed directors. Miou-Miou became famous as an actress who could talk with a mouthful of food in French movies; here a "hungry" Rebecca nibbles at her sandwich to deliver her lines properly. She has talent but she needs to go beyond the English stage rules.
Hawthorne and Northam give fine performances.
On the DVD: The director-and-wife voice over gave very little information on what the director did but gave more information on how his wife loved the costumes and how great the wife's brother was...An excellent example of how not do the director's commentary. In contrast see the DVD of John Sayle's "Limbo," which is so much more informative and entertaining.